"Empowerment Of Women- Key To Peace and Development"

Mrs Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, last Friday urged the international community to boost the peace efforts in la Cote D'ivoire by helping to empower women in the war torn West African country.

"Women can work together to promote peace and development," she told the fully packed audience assembled in the Conference hall of Hotel Ivoire.

The former First lady was addressing The Women Leadership Forum held in Abijan on the 22 and 23 rd February, 2007.

The forum which was graced by the Ivorian first lady, Mrs Gbagbo, was also addressed by Ms Gisele Mandaila, a Belgian Secretary of State among other speakers.

The Forum brought together women from various parts of Cote D'Ivoire and from different sectors of the nation. Also present were representatives from both the government and the rebels.

The Conference was organized under the aegis of the Coalition Women Leaders of Cote D'ivoire led by Mrs Mariam Dao Gabala.

The theme of the Conference was: "Why Not A Woman